Method for correcting determination threshold of floor medium and method of detecting thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor medium detection methods in robots, such as those using sound sensors, face inaccuracies due to mechanical aging and environmental noise changes, as the preset thresholds set at the factory are not adaptable to varying machine states, leading to incorrect recognition of carpet or hard floor types.

Innovation Solution

A method for correcting the determination threshold of a floor medium using a mobile robot equipped with a sound emitter and receiver, where the robot transmits a sound signal of a first preset frequency, determines the initial detection result, and then adjusts the second preset determination threshold based on frequency domain transformation results to ensure accurate detection, adapting to the current machine state and noise conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a preset determination threshold is used for floor medium detection, then the detection method is simple and fast, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to mechanical aging and noise changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment by continuously adapting the determination threshold based on real-time environmental noise characteristics and mechanical state. Instead of using a fixed preset threshold, the system dynamically modifies the threshold value to compensate for changes in noise environment and mechanical aging, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy while preserving the simplicity and speed of the detection method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a fixed preset determination threshold is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different machine states deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidadaptability to machine state
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the detection system to automatically adapt to different machine states through self-service mechanisms. The system continuously monitors its own performance and automatically adjusts the determination threshold based on detected noise patterns and mechanical state changes, eliminating the need for complex external calibration systems or manual intervention while maintaining high adaptability to varying operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the determination threshold is adjusted to adapt to noise changes, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves improved detection accuracy by changing the parameter (determination threshold) rather than modifying the physical structure or adding complex hardware. The system adjusts the threshold parameter based on noise level measurements and mechanical state indicators, maintaining simplicity while achieving high adaptability and accuracy through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method improves the accuracy of floor medium detection by dynamically adjusting the threshold, reducing incorrect determinations caused by mechanical aging and noise changes, ensuring consistent detection results over time.

Implementation Method 1

collects sound reflected by a floor medium and generated when a main brush and a fan within a robot operate through a sound sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the sound receiver is controlled to receive the sound signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic to electrical conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4019964B1Method for correcting determination threshold of floor medium and method of detecting thereof
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 AMICRO SEMICONDUCTOR CO LTD
  • EP4019964B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4019964B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4019964B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for correcting a determination threshold of a floor medium and a method of detecting thereof are provided. The method is used for controlling a mobile robot equipped with a sound emitter and a sound receiver to detect and recognize the floor medium during a movement just started. A first detection result of a current floor medium is obtained by actively transmitting and receiving a sound signal, then, a to-be-adjusted detection result of the current floor medium is obtained only by passively receiving the sound signal through the sound receiver, and according to the similarity/difference of the two detection results, the determination threshold is corrected in the case of passively receiving the sound signal, so that the to-be-adjusted detection result is determined to be consistent with the first detection result. Meanwhile, the determination threshold adjusted and corrected by the method is applied to a subsequent floor medium detection, so that not only the problem of noise caused by active transmission and reception of sound during a movement of machine is reduced, but problems of aging over long-term operation of the machine and interference of noise of environment are also solved.